Heroes
Runner Conquers 268-Mile After Being Diagnosed With Rare Brain Condition

Quick Smiles:
- Runner Mel Sykes triumphs in a 268-mile ultramarathon just 18 months post-surgery.
- Her journey from a rare brain condition to the finish line is an inspiring tale of resilience.
- Despite challenges, including a fall and hypothermia, Sykes completed the race with determination.
In a remarkable display of perseverance, Mel Sykes, a 42-year-old podiatrist, recently completed the grueling Spine Race, an ultramarathon spanning 268 miles from Edale, Derbyshire, to Kirk Yetholm, Scotland.
This achievement is even more astounding considering that just 18 months ago, Sykes was unable to walk due to a rare brain condition known as Chiari malformation.
This condition caused her severe balance issues, double vision, and other debilitating symptoms.
Diagnosed in the summer of 2023, Sykes underwent surgery to alleviate the pressure on her brain.
Despite being warned that she might never run again, she defied the odds and returned to her passion for ultrarunning.
“I’m absolutely over the moon,” Sykes expressed, reflecting on her triumphant finish.
“It was just amazing to reach the finish. Getting to the start was a win.”
She described the race as tough but rewarding, noting the challenging snow-covered sections during the initial stages.
“The first two days from Edale to Hawes it was going through deep snow drifts, plowing through snow halfway up your thighs, it was really tough going.”
Mel’s journey was not without its hurdles. During a storm in the Yorkshire Dales, she battled hypothermia and had to seek shelter in a mobile toilet.
Near the race’s end, she took a fall that resulted in cracked ribs, yet she persevered to complete the race.
“I’d done the whole race and fell a few times on the ice but not done much damage,” she recounted.
“I just got giddy about a mile and a half from the end, I was running down the hill and my foot hit a stone fell forward and cracked my ribs.”
Sykes’ recovery and subsequent race completion have been a testament to her indomitable spirit.
Dr. Ian Anderson, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, praised her determination, stating, “Mel is a really inspirational patient and has shown huge determination to recover and return to ultrarunning.”
After the race, Sykes shared that her ankles were swollen, but she hadn’t suffered any blisters.
“I’ve just been falling asleep all the time. All I’ve done is just sleep and eat,” she remarked, reflecting on her need for rest and recovery.
Mel Sykes’ story is a shining example of resilience, demonstrating that with determination and courage, one can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

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Caroline Collins
February 3, 2025 at 7:06 pm
What an absolutely amazing lady! Congratulations is not nearly enough. There is no stopping Mel and she deserves huge respect!
Jovy Jergens
February 3, 2025 at 7:16 pm
A true inspiration for brave people everywhere ❤